The All Party Meeting was convened in Parliament House, New Delhi, against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted critical maritime corridors and raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Gulf nations. This meeting follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to Parliament regarding the situation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting, which lasted for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were also in attendance, alongside leaders from various opposition parties, including Kiren Rijiju and Mukul Wasnik.
During the meeting, the government emphasized its commitment to energy security, assuring attendees that there is ‘nothing to worry’ about energy supplies. The External Affairs Minister conveyed a message from the Prime Minister to the US President, stating that the war should end as it is hurting everybody.
In response to the ongoing conflict, the government has constituted seven empowered groups aimed at developing strategies on fuel, supply chains, and fertilizers. This proactive approach is seen as essential given that more than 375,000 Indians have been brought back since the conflict began.
“All the opposition colleagues have said that in this hour of crisis, whatever decision the government takes, whatever steps it takes according to the prevailing situation, everyone will support it unitedly,” stated Kiren Rijiju, reflecting a rare moment of bipartisan support amid the crisis.
Furthermore, four ships are expected to dock in the next 4-5 days, which is crucial for maintaining supply chains and ensuring that energy security remains intact. The government reiterated its openness to discussions with the Opposition, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges posed by the geopolitical landscape.
As the situation evolves, observers remain watchful of how the government will navigate these complexities while ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad and maintaining stability at home. The All Party Meeting serves as a significant step in rallying support and strategizing for the challenges ahead.
